Astronomy

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Astronomy
Telescope Tales The UM-Dearborn Observatory
Unmasked (Part II)
Eric J. Rasmussen and Donald J. Bord Department
of Natural Sciences University of
Michigan-Dearborn
and Department of Physics Earth Sciences,
Henry Ford Community College
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Astronomy
Abstract The installation of the 0.4-meter
(16-inch) diameter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope in
the observatory on the UM-Dearborn campus in
April 2007 marked a major step toward our goal of
providing meaningful opportunities for our
students and those at our coordinating
institution, Henry Ford Community College, to
engage in study and research in astronomy using
professional grade software and instrumentation.
But the path from installation to full
functionality, like that of the design and
construction of the observatory complex itself,
was fraught with its own set of surprises and
challenges. Here we discuss some of the problems
that beset us during the initial commissioning
phase of telescope set-up and the means that were
employed to overcome them. We then describe the
impact that the completion of the new observatory
facilities has had on the manner in which
astronomy is now (and will be) taught at UM-D and
HFCC. We highlight particularly the development
of some new laboratory activities at both the
introductory and advanced levels, a new astronomy
minor program at UM-D, and an expanded program of
public events co-sponsored by our two
institutions. While perhaps not unique or
widely transportable, we conclude that this model
of collaboration between 4-year and 2-year
schools of higher education is nonetheless worthy
of emulation where possible for its effective use
of increasingly scarce resources and for the
mutual intellectual and personal benefits it
affords the participants.
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Astronomy
I. Introduction
- April 2007 0.4-meter (16-in.) Richey-Chrétien
telescope installed at UM-Dearborn observatory.
- Here we spin the tale of the commissioning,
inaugural use, and future plans and promise of
the telescope observatory.
- The Bumpy Road to Functionality pointing,
tracking, vibrations, seeing and all that jazz.
- Project Impact on the collaborating
institutions, our community and beyond.
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Astronomy
II. Commissioning Phase First Night(s) Blues
- Alignment Collimation
The Pointing Model
RMS Error lt20
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Tracking Error 0.7/min
N
?t22min
E
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- Vibration Issues Their Solution
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Astronomy
The Penthouse
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- Thermal Issues Seeing Matters!
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(a)
(b)
5 sec exposures (a) Lab door closed (b) Lab
door open.
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III. Full Functionality Achieved
- The Introductory Labs
P131 Science Learning Center Module The Sky An
Interactive Tutorial Purpose  This module is
designed to provide you with a basic introduction
to The Sky, the software package in use at the
UM-D observatory for displaying the local sky,
identifying celestial objects of interest, and
controlling the telescope. Not every function or
feature of this software will be explained or
exploited in this short module, but some of the
most important ones that you will need to
successfully complete your outdoor observing
assignments will be covered. You are welcome,
indeed encouraged, to explore some of the other
provisions of this package as you have time and
interest. Feel free to return to the SLC and
investigate The Sky in greater detail after
youve satisfied the minimum requirements for
P131. Good luck and have fun!
P131 Observing Program Fall 2007  Purpose This
exercise will help develop students skill and
confidence in locating and identifying bright
stars, constellations, planets, and selected
non-stellar objects present in the night sky with
their unaided eyes and/or with small
telescopes. Instructions The table below
includes four categories of celestial objects.
In each case, several examples are given of
specific objects that can be observed in the
night sky during the Fall season (September
December). Your challenge is to locate and
identify at least two(2) objects in each class
and then to examine them with the 20-cm
telescopes provided for your use on the rooftop
area outside the observatory.
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- The Advanced Lab Independent Projects
CCD Characterization Lab
Photometric Studies of Open Clusters, Variable CP
Stars, Near-Earth Asteroids, etc.
Read Noise 21 electrons/pixel Dark Current lt1
e/pixel/sec Gain 2.6 electrons/ADU
M67
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- Public Programming Special Events
Comet Holmes
Lunar Eclipse
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- Seasonal Schedule
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IV. Plans and Promise
- Earth and Sky The EIC Connection

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- UM-Dearborn Astronomy Minor
Astronomy Minor Program Requirements
Pre-requisites ASTR 130 and ASTR 131 4 hours
  (formerly PHYS 130 and PHYS 131)  
Requirements Twelve(12) additional hours of
course 12 hours   work at the 300 - level to
include  PHYS 305 and a choice of any three(3)
of the following six(6) courses 
ASTR 361 Observational Techniques (new
course 2h lecture 3h lab.)   ASTR 380 Advanced
Astronomy (new course 3h
lecture.) ASTR 390/490 Topics in Astronomy
ASTR/GEOL 407/507 Planetary Geology (new
course 3h lecture.)
ASTR/PHYS 421 Stellar Astrophysics (revision of
existing course 3h lecture. ASTR/PHYS 440
Galaxies and Cosmology (new course 3h
lecture.) ASTR 495, 498 and/or 499 Independent
Study/Research Courses (new courses 1 3h
laboratory and/or discussion.)
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- SLRC Floor Mosaic Project
M82 Star-burst Galaxy in Ursa Major
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V. Finish

• Commissioning Four months to vibration-free
  operation characterized by excellent pointing
  accuracy, good tracking and adequate seeing.
• Impact New student labs and independent study
  options enhanced public outreach programming
  expanded professional development opportunities.
• Future Plans Course/curriculum development
  (e.g.,new astronomy minor) Astronomy as art
  (SLRC floor mosaic project).
• A Model Worth Emulating? Benefits of the
  community college university connection shared
  facilities, equipment, staff vision.